Quick answer
任 is the kanji for "Duty". The most common reading is まか.せる (makaseru). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Duty
Also : Term · Appoint · Entrust to · Responsibility
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
6 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 任 represents 'RESPONSIBILITY'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of responsibility.
On-reading: にん — remember this sound by associating it with responsibility. Kun-reading: まか.せる.
Example Sentences
この仕事は私に任されました。
このしごとはわたしにまかされました。
This work was entrusted to me.
任務を完了しました。
にんむをかんりょうしました。
I completed the mission.
Vocabulary using 任
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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